Have an 86 F150. Bought the truck and drove it for 2 days then it broke down. I was driving down the road, turned left and the truck quit. I can start the car when it's cold and it will run for a minute or two then it will cut out. I'm thinking it may be fuel pump related. I took the fuel filter off and blew out the gas inside, it was fine. spark plugs are all fine, excellent condition, not too hot, not too cold. Took off the distributer cap and it seemed fine, still had a contact on the rotor. Please help............ Very frustrated.......

 

Sounds like a bad TFI Module and if it is not that then my second guess would be the PIP sensor inside the distributor.
Could also be the Ignition wiring (shake it) and check the plug on the coil real well.
If you can get a hold of a fuel pressure gauge you could check that also.

But the first thing you should do is read the KOEO test codes and the CM codes.

 

thanks alot, i'm going to take it in to get the codes read monday morning.

 

Most if not all of the auto part stores will not read codes on anything that is not OBD II and yours is a OBD I.
You can go here to learn how to read them your self.
http://www.broncodata.com/tech/codes.htm

Or you can get a low cost code reader like the INNOVA #3145 that reads out in the number code. Do not get one that just has an LED and buzzer.
Get one for an OBD I Ford.

 

buying a voltmeter asap this morning. Really appreciate the help, keep it coming.... I was also told to check the vacuum line going from the engine to the transmission. The guy I bought it off said he had problems with the fuel pump connection, bought some fluid film, should make a better contact on the relay. Voltmeter will come in handy checking the connection. Gonna check the fuel filter and collect everything that comes out to look for contaminents (rust, dirt, ect...). Then spraying the distributer rotor contact with fluid film aswell. Anything else, please dont hesitate... I'm still learning.

 

What engine and transmission do you have?
Unless you have a C6 transmission you will not have a vacuum line to the transmission.
A vacuum leak will not cause it to run OK and then die in a few minutes.

What are you going to check with a voltmeter?
A voltmeter will not help you if you are working on the fuel system or the ignition coil power.
A test light would help you at the coil and the fuel system.
A voltmeter will not help much unless you are checking sensors or working on the charging system.
If you buy a test light do not buy one with a neon light, make sure it has a replaceable bulb that will load the wiring.

Why are you spraying fluid film on it while you have problems?

 

Bought a test light with a replaceable bulb instead of a voltmeter, having trouble reading the codes, im in the middle of trying to get them right now. the engine is a 5.0L, I'm not sure what type of transmissing I have. I doubt it is the c-6 transmission. The guy at napa said I should spray fluid film on the connections to get rid of corrosion that may have formed. He also siad it would make a better connection. It has two fuel tanks, one of which hasn't been used in a couple years. I tried putting fuel in the unused tank, thinking that it may be a problem with the primary gas tank. I was wrong of course.

 

Kragan has them,they can be ordered on line or the website will locate the nearest store w/it in stock, but when their gone their gone. Innova discontinued the model. I'm thinking of buying another for a spare. otherwise all I can find is the I & II combos. Lots more than $39.00
Until you get some scan results, your knee deep, but it aint powder! Mine has paid for itself many times over by keeping me from buying parts I didn't need.

 

i finally broke down and took it to a garage. this model has 2 fuel filters, the recalled them years ago because too many people were having the same problem i was. It was clogged like you wouldn't believe. simple fix, removed the fuel filter and ran new hose to complete the line. but i appreciate the help... its still lacking a bit of power though.... hmmm....any ideas?

 

well if the filter was clogged you may now have a bad fuel pump.

 

Ok I will have the fuel pump changed in the next couple day, will let u guys know how it works

 

p.s I was driving last night and the truck bogged out and quit. I could start it back up and it would stall immediately. I removed the fuel filter, cleaned it, put it back on and the truck would not start back up. It will turn over, just wont start. I'm thinking it has got to be the fuel pump for sure. Stupid me tho, I removed the fuel filter without pulling the inertia relay. There was alot of pressure in the fuel line. After getting my clothes soaked in gas, I drunkenly hitch hiked home. Public service announcement: DONT DRINK AND DRIVE!

 

Most likely the TFI Module but do you have any codes.